What are the definitions of “sit up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To rise from a lying or reclining position to a sitting position.
As he tried to sit up, a sharp pain speared through his head.
- 2To sit upright suddenly or with a jolt, usually due to surprise or shock.
But the thought of her mum actually going made Ann sit up with shock.
- 3Stay awake or not go to bed at the usual time.
We sat up very late talking last night.
- 4Sit upright or straight.
Would you like to sit up and read for a while?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sit up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sit up is to change your position from lying down to sitting. It can also mean sitting with a straight back. For example, when you wake up in the morning, you sit up in bed before standing up.
What are the different verb forms of “sit up”?
| Root Verb | sit up |
| Third Person Singular Present | sits up |
| Present Participle | sitting up |
| Simple Past | sat up |
| Past Participle | sat up |
Example
She sits up in bed every morning to stretch her back.
Example
He sits up straight when he is at the dinner table.
Example
The baby is sitting up by herself now.
Example
He sat up in bed when he heard the noise.
Example
She had sat up all night waiting for him to come home.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sit up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“sit up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She sat up when she heard the doorbell.
Example
He sat up in bed to read a book.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“sit up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She sat up when she heard the doorbell.
Example
He sat up in bed to read a book.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sit up”?
Good things to know
Does “sit up” have an informal or formal tone?
Sit up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
